Stoke On Trent & District Gundog Club

Stoke on Trent & District Gundog Club

Sunday 25th September 2022

First of all, I would like to thank the committee for asking me to judge at their show. I am always honoured to be asked to judge at a show, but especially when I am asked to judge other breeds. Anyone who knows me or has done their research knows my breed is Irish Setters. On this occasion, I didn’t judge a single one. I did have some lovely attendees to go over. Although not blessed with numbers in some classes because of several breed specific Championship shows being carried out on the same day, I was generally most happy with the standard of dogs that came under me. This was even more so as some were Champions in their own breeds and some very promising up and coming youngsters, that I am sure will have a very bright future indeed.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Patrick, Rhiannon and Jenny, who stewarded for me on the day. The ring ran very well and the catalogues were pristine, even on a long day where I was asked to judge several other breeds, because of the ill health of another judge. Therefore, many thanks to my stewards.

Although not having judged some of these breeds before, I was more than au fait with them (in some cases a long-time admirer) and was very pleased when I saw my best of breeds and best puppies in the “big ring”. My main pre-requisite for judging is on movement. I did not waver from this requirement in this show. This was a little tricky on the day because the rings were a little small with a lack of mats in some areas. However, more tolerance was given to the dogs, but more was expected from the exhibitors as they were made to move a lot more. Most of the dogs on the day did move well, however, some were a little close. I felt the dogs throughout my judging conformed to their breed standard well, so I was happy to have difficult decisions to make for the final line up in some breeds.

American Cocker

Class 1: Junior (0)

Class 2: Post graduate dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Franklin’s Nadezhda natsii iz mazhornogo lada at dreamcast (IMP RUS)- 1 year old bitch of blue roan colour. Not a big girl, but everything was correct, showing size did not matter. Very pretty bitch, with a black nose and wide muzzle, with depth to the eye giving lovely expression. Correct length ears, set below eye. Good length of slightly arched neck into well laid-back shoulder, providing correct front angulation. Ribs well sprung, short loin and well-muscled rear quarters that were balanced with front angulation. Moved elegantly around the ring. Difficult to give this only RBOB.

Class 3: Open Dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Fryer’s Fonesse Dirty Dancing at Carolco- This 2-year-old, black and white dog is extremely flashy and eye catching. Presented impeccably, in full coat. A proportionate head that certainly retained masculinity, with a beautiful defined expression, that is well chiselled around dark eye. Ears set on low, fine leather of good length to nostrils. Strong, slightly arched long neck flowing effortlessly into cleanly cut shoulders, that provided space for well sprung ribs, width to front and depth of chest and brisket. Fab strong, topline that sloped from withers to correct tail set. This did not faulter on the move. Well-muscled hindquarters that were developed in tone and width, combined with good angulation made his movement effortless and covered the ring with ease. Felt that this dog had the edge over the bitch for BOB because of his merry action on the move and overall balance. Also, lovely to see such good width to second thigh, that enabled such free moving action, even if he was taken so keenly by the bitch! BOB

BOB - Fonesse Dirty Dancing at Carolco (from class 3: Open)

RBOB - Nadezhda natsii iz mazhornogo lada at dreamcast (IMP RUS) (from Class 3: Postgraduate)

Best puppy- N/A

N.B. Both American Cockers that entered were extremely smart in appearance, groomed to perfection and moved very well. Either would be worthy of a BOB at an open show and more! Two lovely specimens of the breed.

Bracco Italiano

Class 4: Junior Dog or bitch (1,1)

Class 5: Postgraduate Dog or bitch (1,1)

Class 6: Open Dog or bitch (1,1)

BOB- N/A

RBOB- N/A

BP- N/A

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Class 10: Junior Dog or Bitch (1,1)

Class 11: Postgraduate dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Pont’s Oakmarsh Haunting Howl (A.I)- A dog of 2 years of age. A good head with a broad, rounded skull, with a medium stop and bright medium sized eye. Small ears that were carried close to the head. Very good strength to neck, that was not out of place on well laid back, powerful shoulders. Straight in foreleg. Angulation of hindquarters, mirroring front. Personally, would prefer a little more strength to the topline. BOB

Class 12: Open Dog or bitch (1,1)

BOB- Pont’s Oakmarsh Haunting Howl (A.I) (from class 11: Postgraduate)

RBOB- N/A

BP- N/A

Curley Coated Retriever

Class 20: Junior dog or bitch (0)

Class 21: Postgraduate dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Moskowitz’s Brightmeadow Moondance- 3-year-old liver Bitch. Very kind, feminine expression, that was set off with oval shaped eyes that were complementary in colour to coat. Head construction very nice indeed in wedge shape and slight stop; neck showing good strength without throatiness; shoulders well laid back, with straight forelegs; depth to brisket.; angulation balanced in back as front.; well sprung ribs that were well covered. Good bone throughout. Could do with a little more strength across loin. Today was not her day for moving. The ring size did not seem to be conducive for this girl. RBOB

Class 22: Open dog or bitch (2,1)

1st- Moskowitz’s Blue willow at ravenho - 4-year-old, black bitch. A richness to her coat that made for a very pleasant appearance in the stack. Although carrying a bit of excess weight because of mothering duties, some points could be forgiven as this girl performed admirably and the presence of some of her qualities were still very much apparent. My notes read well-proportioned/ balanced and that is what I think you got with this girl, from head to toe. She has a feminine expression with parallel planes to the skull and muzzle. Large, oval dark eyes, set into correct, wedge-shaped head in both profiles. Slight arch to strong neck, that freely flowed into well angulated, muscular shoulders. Nice width to chest and down at elbow. Strength was seen in front pasterns. Well-sprung ribs. Tuck up present, even after carrying pups not long ago. Solid topline and nice shape to the croup. Personally felt could have had more width to second thigh, however, angulation decent. Moved ok, but again think ring size did not help this girl today. Would like to see what she could do in a big ring and when back in peak condition. BOB

BOB- Moskowitz’s Blue willow at ravenho (from class 22: Open)

RBOB- Moskowitz’s Brightmeadow Moondance (from class 21: Postgraduate)

BP- N/A

Flat Coated Retriever

Class 34: Puppy dog or bitch (2,0)

In this class, two youngsters with a lot to like and bright futures ahead.

1st- Buckley’s Blacktoft Brindisi by Buckleyhill –A 6-month male that I liked a lot. Refined in head for such a young boy. Head, long with very slight stop. Nice length to the jaws. Considerable darkness to the eye, that lent itself to the coat well, giving an overall lovely, intelligent expression. Entire body flowed from one aspect to the next. Head well set into neck. front showed great promise with width and depth. Dog showed good strength throughout. Body well ribbed. Hindquarters of good proportions and lovely to see a good second thigh especially on such a young dog. Correct rear angulation. Constructed soundly. This was even more evident when seen on the move and this is why he took the class, as movement was very pleasing indeed. RBOB and BP

2nd- Burroughs’s I know him so well at Rokaness- This 7-month male has also a lot to like. More solid in head than that of 1st, showing masculinity, but without being over-done, with head being indicative of breed. Ears well set close to head. Length of neck good and running well in to back. Chest deep, but lacked a little in width for my liking. Ribbed well and short at loin, as should be. Good shape to croup. Tail well set on and lashed on the move. Placed 2nd as movement was not as good as 1st on the day, on the out run. However, bond between handler and charge was lovely to see.

Class 35: Junior dog or bitch (2,0)

1st- Turner’s Torwood galactic flyer- this 20-month male was very eye catching. Presented in lovely rich coat and handled particularly well. Although of a larger set still retained raciness. This played into my liking. Medium sized eyes, that sat neatly in a head that was long and well moulded. Skull followed the breed standard well and was flat and moderately broad. Small ears, set close to side of head; moderately long neck, that again ran well into shoulders, that were proportionally angled with hindquarters. Good bone to front construction, that showed depth to a fairly broad chest. Well ribbed and short over the loin, that provided a sound base for a good, straight topline. Excellent muscling to hindquarters and width to second thigh. Very neat feet. Well balanced. A confident young man that knew his job well. Enthusiasm came from tail action on the move. Moved the best of all Flat coats on the day. BOB

2nd- Hewison’s Selloana Monoceros for casblaidd- It was lovely to see the bond between this very pretty, 16-month bitch, and handler. Typical width to nostrils and strength to long jaw. A lovely dark eye and feminine head that showed the essential slight stop and flat skull. Neck flows cleanly in to a well-ribbed and balanced body that showed correct front and rear angulation. Good strength to straight forelegs. Overall bone was more than adequate. Well-toned in muscle. Topline could have been a little tighter and would like to see more muscle to second thigh. Again, a dog that I think could have benefitted from a larger ring on the move. However, in later class, was asked to move again, and produced a much-improved display. Handled well.

Class 36: Post graduate dog or bitch (2,1)

1st- Hewison’s Selloana Monoceros for casblaidd- (please see write up for 2nd in Junior dog or bitch).

Class 37: Open dog or bitch (1,0)

1st Salt’s Levelmoor acorn antiques via wetnoses- a 3-year-old bitch that was in fine condition and coat, which gave a lovely outline in the stack. Good head shape, that was obviously in keeping with the breed standard. Feminine in appearance. Correct dentition. Reach of neck good, with proportional angulation between front and rear. Good strength to bone throughout. Well sprung ribs. Good width to thigh. On the day movement was a little off, being a touch close behind on the up and down. In profile, moved well and foot placement sound. Very happy girl around the ring and attentive to super handler.

BOB- Turner’s Torwood galactic flyer (from class 35: Junior)

RBOB- Buckley’s Blacktoft Brindisi by buckleyhill (from Class 34: Puppy)

BP- Buckley’s Blacktoft Brindisi by buckleyhill (from Class 34: Puppy)

Italian Spinone

Class 72: Junior Dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Challands’s Annilann miss big girl spanx – Although stood alone, this 8-month puppy bitch, was well worthy of her positioning, and I think would have been a difficult one to beat. Very sound and well made for such a youngster. Lovely, soft, feminine expression. Divergent planes. Correct eye shape and depth, with a light colour that was very complimentary to orange and white, coat colour. This too was seen in overall skin pigmentation to coat. Powerful neck that merged effortlessly into strong shoulders, with blades set well apart. Excellent width to front and depth to chest, that was framed with strong oval boned front construction. Well balanced in body that followed the breed standard perfectly, that was well ribbed and sprung, showing (to quote the breed standard) slightly arched, broad, strong, and well-muscled loin. This allowed for good topline also. Lovely make up of hindquarters with width and substance, especially in the second thigh. Initially moved a touch close, but soon corrected. Very stylish on the around and then in the stack. One to watch. BOB and BP.

Class 73: Post graduate dog or bitch (0)

Class 74: Open dog or bitch (0)

BOB- Challands’s Annilann miss big girl spanx (from class 72: Junior)

RBOB– N/A

BP- Challands’s Annilann miss big girl spanx (from 72: Junior)

Labrador Retriever

Class 75: Puppy dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Harris’s Balladoole it’s forever at shadbudpips – This bitch was instantly eye catching. Not only because of the beautiful rich black coat, but as well balanced in proportions. A 6-month bitch, that was already devoted to the handler. Although broad in skull, definitely retained femininity. Very expressive, dark eyes. Ears set well back and hung close to the head. Strength to neck for such a youngster, that flowed seamlessly in to well-placed and angled shoulders. Plenty of bone, appropriate for age. Did not show signs of carrying weight on well sprung, barrel ribs. These with the strength to loin made her have a super topline that did not yield on the move. Very good width to hindquarters. Moved really well with ease around the ring. Super condition to the coat. Really liked this youngster. Hope she will keep developing as she has until now. Will keep an eye out for. BOB

Class 76: Junior dog or bitch (0)

Class 77: graduate dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Harris’s Cuerdenlake pukaki at shadbudpips- a bitch that was a few weeks short of her 9th birthday. A great job had been done to keep this black girl in good condition. Well done. Again, a charge that was only wanting to please her handler. A heavier set girl in head and rest of body. Very appealing in eye shape and colour. Good shape to head leading into strong neck and well-placed shoulders, of good angulation. Good strength to loin. Personally, would have liked a little more width to upper thigh. Still good width across croup. Movement was not on point today.

Class 78: Post graduate dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Harris’s Shadbudpips aghios sostis- 6-year-old yellow bitch that was again noticeable for her balance. Very kind, soft expression. Good stop and broad skull. Lighter in eye than others in breed, but complimented yellow coat well. Good width and depth to chest, providing a good basis for well sprung ribs. However, she did carry a little too much weight for my liking. Strength seen to loin. good across and angle of croup. well-muscled in hindquarters, with good turn at stifle. Moved ok, but from the strength of the dog, expected a lite more drive. RBOB.

Class 79: Open dog or bitch (0)

BOB- Harris’s Balladoole it’s forever at shadbudpips (from class 75: puppy)

RBOB- Harris’s Shadbudpips aghios sostis (from class 78: post graduate dog or bitch)

BP- Harris’s Balladoole it’s forever at shadbudpips (from class 75: puppy)

Lagotto Romagnolo

Class 80: Junior dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Whittick’s allsong nuova luna – A very pleasing 7-month-old bitch, showing good type. Stood in complete, woolly, off white, thickly curled coat, which made for quite an appealing picture, especially in the stack. Feminine in appearance, with correct shape to head and width at zygomatic arch. Light brown in eye colour that was complementary to coat colour. Similarly, the case to the skin pigment around eye and large nose. Very balanced throughout. Following breed standard well for body that was compact and strong. Carried topline well on the move. Presented and shown very well. Although still young and requiring maturing, made for quite a pretty picture. BP

Class 81: Post graduate dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Whittick’s Articbreeze turbulence at allsong – 2-year-old dog that is very flashy, stood in off white and dark brown. Good head showing slight divergence in planes and length in correct positions. Correct complete scissor bite. Once again, well rounded, fairly large eye that was dark, complementing the dark head markings. Ears, correct in shape and positioning. Neck, well-muscled and showing power. Good depth to the brisket. Gradual tuck up, with strength to loin, showing lovely topline. Good shape to croup. Personally, would like to see slightly more bend at stifle. Moved around well, but for me a touch close behind on the up and back. RBOB

Class 82: Open dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Whittick’s moonreed Warbler at allsong – 4-year-old bitch, in complete off-white. This girl instantly caught my eye when she came into the ring because of her balance. Looked very smart in the stack. As with all dogs from this handler, presented very well. Again, a very feminine head that ticked all the boxes from the breed standard. Light, fairly large eye that was framed with light pigmentation, in keeping with the light coat colour. Good prominence to zygomatic arch, on neatly broad head. Short, strong neck give a picture of power. Liked the angulation in shoulder and hindquarters that equalled each other very well, providing that image of balance. Elbows fitting rather closely together. Well boned in oval shape. Compact and strong across loin, with length to croup. Real power shown in rear end in well-muscled, wide thigh and second thigh. Well angled at stifle. Moved the best in the breed today. Drove out so very well. BOB

BOB- Whittick’s moonreed Warbler at allsong (from class 82: Open)

RBOB- Whittick’s Articbreeze turbulence at allsong (from class 81: Postgraduate)

BP- Harris’s Balladoole it’s forever at shadbudpips (from class 80: Puppy)

Large Munsterlander

Class 83: Junior Dog or bitch (0)

Class 84: Post graduate dog or bitch (0)

Class 85: Open dog or bitch (2,1)

1st- Butler’s SH.CH Toberworry breaking dawn at Jendella’s – 3-year-old girl that is smaller in stature. Sadly, today she stood alone in the breed. Feminine head, with roundness to the skull. Good length to the muzzle. Very strong, muscular neck. Depth to brisket. Strong in body, that was nicely short coupled. Well presented in a black and roan coat. stacked well. Again, a dog that could have benefittedwith a larger ring. BOB

BOB – Butler’s SH.CH Toberworry breaking dawn at Jendella’s (from class 85: Open)

RBOB- N/A

BP- N/A

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Class 86: Junior dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- How’s Sawbridge Lochbuie- 15-month-old bitch that had a lovely expression. Refined in feminine looks giving slight wedge shape. Correct almond shaped eye. Light in pigmentation around eye that worked well for this girl. Triangle ears set well back on skull. Strong in neck. decent angulation to front, with elbows close to body. Depth of chest below elbow. A little bum high at present that did not help topline. Hopefully will grow out of this as she matures. Nice and lively on the move, with good tail carriage.

Class 87: Post graduate dog or bitch (3,0)

1st- How’s Hwyaden sunrise ruby at sawbridge- 4-year-old bitch that was very sturdy and was well muscled. I felt she had a lovely soft expression coming from her almond shaped eyes. Good placement of ears set high, well back on skull. Well proportioned, strong neck that flowed seamlessly in to muscular, shoulders of medium length. Well boned, without exaggeration. Well sprung ribs. Excellent width to thigh, which was lovely to see, and still in balance. Moved out and covered the ground well. was a little close at times. Looked in her prime. RBOB.

2nd- Wallwork’s Schindow living doll- 6-year-old bitch that was lighter in coat and skin colour than most in the breed on the day, however, still appealing. Slighter in build than 1st. Excellent rapport with handler. very alert and bright girl. Lovely zygomatic protuberance. Ear placement and carriage only helped with the overall expression. Good length to neck into well angulated shoulders. Could have done with a little more length to upper arm. Good depth and spring to ribs, leading into good length to loin. Moved ok.

3rd- Brands Coedhelyg jingle all the way.

Class 88: Open dog or bitch (4,1)

1st- Barkers’s SH. CH Eusanit Silver dream machine- This 5-year-old dog is what I was looking for. Very flashy boy that was not style over substance, because that was apparent also.

No coarseness to slight wedged skull that was lovely and rounded at back. Only moderate stop which was desirable. Large lighter coloured nostrils. Alertness to almond-shaped eyes. Ears sat well back on skull that were well feathered at back of fold. Welled muscled neck into well-defined lay back of shoulders. Muscling was very pleasing throughout. Deep in chest and ribs well sprung. Good width over croup and to both upper and second thigh. Loved the angulation at stifle. Moved so well with strong rear drive. Purposeful white tipped tail and head carriage on the move. Displayed in super coat. BOB.

2nd- Brands Coedhelyg jingle all the way – 22-month dog- was 3rd in previous class. Would have liked to have placed higher in previous class, but movement was not good. Suddenly in this class, seemed to get his act together and subsequently moved very well. Good richness and colour to coat. Slighter than 1st, but still appealing in the stack. Still needs a bit of maturing. Expression was lovely with correct eye shape/darker in colour that lent itself well to the colour of the coat. Good workings beneath eye. Strong in front angulation. Good strength again to loin. So happy to see the movement better second time in the ring.

3rd Eusanit chineese whispers at schindow.

BOB - Barkers’s SH. CH Eusanit Silver dream machine (from class 88: Open)

RBOB- How’s Hwyaden sunrise ruby at sawbridge (from class 87: Postgraduate)

BP- N/A

Spanish Water dog

Class 93: Junior dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Hodgkinson’s Zorrazo villain of circumstance (IMP HRV) NAF- 1 year old dog to the day (happy birthday little man). Although showing his young age in the stack, coat wise, his condition was exemplary. As soon as I put my hands on this dog, it was apparent how well the owner had done in keeping him in super muscle tone. A lot to like about him. White on front of muzzle and chest, in rich brown coat. Flat, parallel planes to strong head construction. Complementary eye colour. Short strong neck into well set shoulders, good angulation. elbows set close to body. Very good shape to well sprung ribs, leaving plenty of space for heart space. Angulation in front and back balanced. Width and strength to rear construction. Moved out with power full drive and briskly. Another one to watch. BOB

Class 94: Post graduate dog or bitch (1,0)

1st- Preece and Coopers’s Janamorio Northern Arlo- 2-year-old dog that had some favourable characteristics. In a lovely coat for age. Lighter in colour than that of Junior, which was lovely in the stack. Light in eye colour that again complemented the coat well. Parallel head planes. Short, strong neck. topline was sound whether on the move or in the stack. Good strength to the loin. Good to see a good amount of width to hind end. Presented and handled very well. On the day, movement was a little off on the out and return. Came up against a good junior, therefore, knocking him into RBOB.

Class 95: Open Dog or bitch (1,1)

BOB - Hodgkinson’s Zorrazo villain of circumstance (IMP HRV) NAF (from class 93: Junior)

RBOB- Preece and Coopers’s Janamorio Northern Arlo (from class 94: Postgraduate)

BP- N/A

Hefin Jones (Pencastan)